Oregon receiving 'critical' $74M for drinking water, stormwater projects

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – Oregon is receiving over $74 million from the Environmental Protection Agency for several water infrastructure upgrades, the agency announced Tuesday.

The funding comes from an “unprecedented” investment in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law – including over $50 billion for water infrastructure upgrades across the country.

The investment will go towards a variety of projects including replacing broken or lead pipes carrying drinking water, wastewater treatment plant updates, stormwater infrastructure upgrades to manage flooding impacts from climate change, and addressing toxic PFAS found in water, according to the EPA.

Officials note more than half of the funding will be available as grants or principal forgiveness loans to reach underserved communities.

“Aging water infrastructure continues to seriously undermine water quality in rural and small towns across Oregon,” said Governor Tina Kotek. “This is a critical investment from the Biden Administration in drinking water quality and needed infrastructure upgrades to ensure that all Oregonians have access to safe, clean drinking water.”  

EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan said, “President Biden’s Investing in America agenda continues to transform communities for the better with this latest infusion of funds for critical water infrastructure projects."

He added, “With $50 billion in total, the largest investment in water infrastructure in our nation’s history, EPA will enable communities across the nation to ensure safer drinking water for their residents and rebuild vital clean water infrastructure to protect public health for decades to come.”